Nectarine tree (&#34;Necta Zee&#34;)

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree which has the following unique combination of desirable features. 
      1. Dwarf size (6 to 8 feet at maturity). 
      2. Regular and productive bearer. 
      3. Fruit with attractive red skin color. 
      4. Fruit with firm flesh and good eating quality. 
      5. Medium to large freestone fruit. 
      6. Uniform maturity of fruit. 
      7. Close leaf nodes with attractive dense foliage.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new variety of dwarf nectarine was originated by us in theexperimental orchard located at Modesto, Calif. It was selected as asecond generation seedling from a cross between Early Sun GrandNectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 1,420) and a dwarf nectarine seedling ofunknown parentage which carried the identification of #101 in ourbreeding program. These seedlings, which were planted and grown undercareful observation by us gave many and varying characteristics,including approximately 25% dwarf trees. One such dwarf seedling whichis the present variety, having been especially desirable with respect toits fruit was selected for asexual reproduction.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

The new variety of dwarf nectarine tree was asexually reproduced bybudding in the experimental orchard located at Modesto, Calif. and showsthat all characteristics come true to the original tree in all respects.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

Our new and distinct variety of nectarine tree is of dwarf size (6 to 8feet at maturity), spreading growth, moderate vigor, and a regular andproductive bearer of medium to large, firm, yellow flesh, freestonefruit with a high degree of red skin color. The variety is furthercharacterized by having attractive dense foliage with close leaf nodesand producing large showy pink flowers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of the fruit andfoliage of our new dwarf nectarine variety. The upper and lower surfaceof the leaves being illustrated and the exterior and sectional view ofthe fruit being shown with a stone remaining in place. The photographswere taken shortly after being picked (firm ripe) and the colors are asnearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of thistype.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a botanical detailed description of our new variety ofdwarf nectarine tree, as based on observations of specimens grown atModesto, Calif., with color terminology in accordance with ReinholdColor Atlas by A. Kornerup and J. H. Wanscher.

Tree:

Size.--Dwarf (6-8 ft. at maturity).

Vigor.--Medium.

Form.--Spreading.

Density.--Dense.

Productivity.--Very productive.

Bearer.--Regular.

Trunk:

Size.--Stocky.

Texture.--Shaggy.

Color.--Grayish brown.

Branches:

Size.--Stocky.

Texture.--Medium rough.

Lenticels.--Large size. Medium number.

Color.--Brown to reddish brown.

Leaves:

Size.--Large. Average length -- 77/8". Average width -- 11/2".

Texture.--Smooth.

Petiole.--Medium length.

Glands.--Reniform. Number varies from 2 to 4. Average number 2. Locatedon upper portion of petiole and lower portion of leaf blade.

Form.--Lanceolate.

Margin.--Crenate.

Color.--Upper surface -- deep green (28-E-8 to 28-F-7). Lower surface --grayish green (29-E-5 to 29-E-7).

Flower buds:

Size.--Large.

Form.--Plump.

Length.--Medium.

Flower:

Blooming period.--Feb. 28, 1982 to Mar. 10, 1982. Varies slightly due toweather conditions.

Size.--Large, showy.

Color.--Pink.

Pollen.--Present.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.--Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.--June 25, 1982.

Date of last picking.--July 4, 1982.

Size.--Medium to large. Average diameter axially -- 21/2". Averagetransversely in suture plane -- 21/2".

Form.--Globose -- nearly symmetrical.

Suture.--Shallow, extends from base to apex.

Ventral surface.--Slightly lipped, nearly round.

Cavity.--Rounded to slightly elongated in surface plane. Average depth-- 1/2". Average breadth -- 7/8".

Apex.--Varies from very slight point to slight depression. Usuallyrounded.

Skin:

Thickness.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium. Tenacious to flesh.

Down.--Wanting.

Tendency to crack.--None.

Color.--Dark yellow ground color (4-A-8 to 5-A-7) overspread with flamered to orange red (7-A-8 to 8-A-8).

Flesh:

Color.--Yellow (3-A-8 to 4-A-8).

Texture.--Firm.

Fibers.--Few -- tender.

Ripens.--Relatively even -- slightly earlier near the apex and suture.

Juice.--Moderate.

Flavor.--Subacid to mild.

Aroma.--Very little.

Eating quality.--Good.

Stone:

Type.--Freestone. On some fruit, small flesh fragments adhere to somepit cavities.

Size.--Large. Average length -- 15/8". Average width -- 7/8". Averagethickness -- 3/4".

Form.--Oblong.

Base.--Straight to slightly oblique.

Apex.--Acute.

Surface.--Furrowed to apex, pitted toward base.

Ridges.--Rounded toward apex.

Tendency to split.--None.

Color.--Light brown to brown (6-B-6 to 6-C-7).

Use: Dessert. Home and local market.

Keeping quality: Fair to good.

Shipping quality: Fair to good.

The dwarf nectarine tree and its fruit herein described may vary inslight detail due to climatic, soil conditions and cultural practicesunder which the variety may be grown; the present description is that ofthe variety grown under the ecological conditions prevailing at Modesto,Calif.

The following is claimed:
 1. A new and distinct variety of nectarinetree which is dwarf in size, (6 to 8 feet at maturity) moderate invigor, dense, spreading growth and a regular and productive bearer ofmedium to large, firm, yellow flesh, freestone fruit with a high degreeof red skin color, maturing in late June to early July; the tree isfurther characterized by having attractive dense foliage with close leafnodes and producing large showy pink flowers.